Niko Price, 'bored' with American Top Team, opened own gym ahead of UFC Boise

BOISE, Idaho – Niko Price will be fighting out of a new team when he steps in the octagon Saturday at UFC Fight Night 133.

After spending his UFC career to this point fighting out of Florida’s American Top Team, Price (11-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) opted to open a facility of his own ahead of his upcoming welterweight contest against Randy Brown (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC).

Price wanted a new look for his career, so he opened Futures MMA, located in North Fort Myers, Fla.

“Something different,” Brown told MMAjunkie. “Sometimes the water gets stagnant. I wanted to get out of the water and start my own river. I wanted something new. … I was getting bored in one spot.”

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UFC Fight Night 133 takes place at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho. Price vs. Brown airs on the FS1-televised portion of the card following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

There are certain benefits to fighting out of a “super team” like American Top Team, such as the deep roster of training parters. Price, 28, sees advantages to doing his own thing, though, and he intends on showing them when he steps in the cage.

“He’s a good fighter,” Price said of Brown. “I have nothing against him. But when we get in there he better be ready, because I’m really ready.”

With just one loss in 13 fights and all but one of his career victories by way of stoppage, Price prides himself on being an action fighter who provides exciting finishes for his fans.

Although Price said his long-term goals include climbing higher in the rankings, breaking into title contention and eventually claiming UFC gold, he said his top priority is to keep active. “Hybrid” hasn’t fought since January, and with a large family to provide for, he said he hopes for a busier schedule moving forward.

“I’ve got four kids, I’ve got a house, and I have to pay bills,” Price said. “I don’t care who you put in there. Put them there, and I’m going to try to take them out, because my kids need to eat, and they need a roof over their head – as simple as that. This is my job. If I’m not fighting I feel like I’m not doing my job.”